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| Frosty stream |
Due to the road closure caused by the fire we had a short driving day today and only travelled to Mammoth Hot Springs on the northern boundary of the park and just inside the Montana - Wyoming border.
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| Terraces at Mammoth |
As well as the terraces Mammoth is renowned for the herd of elk which roam the village. EVERYWHERE there are signs advising people not to approach the elk and three NP volunteers were given the task of keeping the people away from the animals as they alternatively dozed and fed on the lush green lawns. They were quite oblivious to the fuss they were generating.
Fort Yellowstone was established at Mammoth in the early days of the park’s history when the cavalry was given the task of protecting the park and its wildlife from members of the public. Most of the buildings from the fort have been preserved and it’s a credit that they are in such excellent condition. Again, as with Fort Verde, this was a fort without a wall.
Considering the end of the season is near it was mind-boggling to see just how many people were there while the traffic on the road was quite hectic too.
It appears that once the schools go back and the weather starts to get cooler the National Parks start shutting down. By the end of September there will be very little still operating in the park. Evidence of preparation for winter is everywhere. A number of the campgrounds are closed; some roads are closed; some services here at Canyon Village (Deli and Cafeteria) have already shut; the stock in the store is declining and not being replaced and some clothing items are on sale. Yesterday we saw a toilet block boarded up to prevent snow entering and the NP staff have been out putting the snow poles along the road.
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our week in Grand Teton and Yellowstone. The scenery and wildlife is the main attraction for us and there has been plenty of that to marvel at.
